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HEAT STRESS

Source: OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration , U.S. Department of Labor
OSHA. Office temperature/humidity and air quality. More...

Protect Yourself

When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.

Heat Index Table

Factors Leading to Heat Stress

High temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

* Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
* Weakness and moist skin.
* Mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
* Upset stomach or vomiting.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

* Dry, hot skin with no sweating.
* Mental confusion or losing consciousness.
* Seizures or fits.

Preventing Heat Stress

* Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses;
* Monitor yourself and coworkers.
* Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
* Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly.
* Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes.
* Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.
* Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness

* Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once.

While waiting for help to arrive:

* Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
* Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
* Provide cool drinking water.
* Fan and mist the person with water.

Source:
OSHA Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov
More Information

 

Heat Index Chart (Temperature & Relative Humidity)

RH
(%)		 Temperature (? F)
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105
90 119 123 128 132 137 141 146 152 157 163 168 174 180 186 193 199
85 115 119 123 127 132 136 141 145 150 155 161 166 172 178 184 190
80 112 115 119 123 127 131 135 140 144 149 154 159 164 169 175 180
75 109 112 115 119 122 126 130 134 138 143 147 152 156 161 166 171
70 106 109 112 115 118 122 125 129 133 137 141 145 149 154 158 163
65 103 106 108 111 114 117 121 124 127 131 135 139 143 147 151 155
60 100 103 105 108 111 114 116 120 123 126 129 133 136 140 144 148
55 98 100 103 105 107 110 113 115 118 121 124 127 131 134 137 141
50 96 98 100 102 104 107 109 112 114 117 119 122 125 128 131 135
45 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 113 115 118 120 123 126 129
40 92 94 96 97 99 101 103 105 107 109 111 113 116 118 121 123
35 91 92 94 95 97 98 100 102 104 106 107 109 112 114 116 118
30 89 90 92 93 95 96 98 99 101 102 104 106 108 110 112 114
Note: Exposure to full sunshine can increase HI values by up to 15? F